Rapidly infusing compositions with supplements and treatment methods

ABSTRACT

A rapidly infusing composition that includes a pharmaceutically acceptable binder and/or excipient system containing mammalian gelatin and a sugar alcohol, and at least one supplement selected from the group consisting of a vitamin D compound, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, and caffeine. Also disclosed is a method of providing nutrient supplementation/modulation and/or a stimulant effect to a subject, whereby the subject in need thereof is administered, via the oral mucosa, the rapidly infusing composition.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/225,738 filed Apr. 8, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/114,194 filed Nov. 16, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/114,181 filed Nov. 16, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/147,453 filed Feb. 9, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/172,343 filed Apr. 8, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/172,362 filed Apr. 8, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/172,386 filed Apr. 8, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/172,368 filed Apr. 8, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/180,193 filed Apr. 27, 2021; which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to rapidly infusing compositions for administration of vitamin D and other supplements and psychoactive substances for the treatment of various conditions such as vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency.

Description of the Related Art

The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble nutrients, the major forms being vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol), that are responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other metabolic functions. Vitamin D is produced endogenously in the skin epidermis upon exposure to sunlight. Despite this natural and free source, vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue that afflicts more than 1 billion children and adults worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with many acute and chronic illnesses, including preeclampsia, childhood dental caries, periodontitis, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurological disorders. See Simoliunas et al. “Bioavailability of Different Vitamin D Oral Supplements in Laboratory Animal Models” Medicina, 2019; 55, 265. It is difficult to supplement vitamin D with foods, because only a few foods contain significant amounts of vitamin D. See Bates, C. J. and Heseker, H. “Human Bioavailability of Vitamins” Nutritional Research Reviews, 1994; 7, 93-127. Accordingly, vitamin D deficiency, when addressed, is most frequently addressed using supplements.

The bioavailability of vitamin D supplements can vary wildly. For example, studies using radiolabeled vitamin D, showed that its absorption efficiency from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract varies widely between 55% to 99%. While average bioavailability varies based on dosage form, there are also large variations for individuals taking the same dosage form. See Simoliunas et al. “Bioavailability of Different Vitamin D Oral Supplements in Laboratory Animal Models” Medicina, 2019; 55, 265. The average variability in bioavailability by dosage form is addressed in the industry through use of recommendations for daily dosage in International Units (IU), instead of mass. For example, according to the Mayo clinic, the recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years. Dosage control for vitamin D, however, remains an issue due to individual variation, particularly since vitamin D can be toxic in high dosages, especially in children See Bates, C. J. and Heseker, H. “Human Bioavailability of Vitamins” Nutritional Research Reviews, 1994; 7, 93-127. Nonetheless, vitamin D in very high dosages has been proposed for the treatment of particular diseases, for example, researchers have suggested that a single 300,000 IU dosage of vitamin D could be used to treat Covid-19. See Liu, Guoqiang et al. “A single Large Dose of Vitamin D Could be Used as a Means of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Prevention and Treatment” Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2020:14, 3429-3434.

Disease and medications can also impact the bioavailability of vitamin D and other supplements, causing or contributing to vitamin D deficiency. For example, vitamin D deficiency has been found to be prevalent in subjects with fat malabsorption syndromes and gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease, other liver disease, gallbladder disease, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, sprue or celiac disease); subjects who have undergone surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, intestines, or gallbladder; subjects with gum disease; subjects taking medications that increase the catabolism of vitamin D, including phenyloin, fosphenyloin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin; subjects taking medications that reduce absorption of vitamin D, including cholestyramine, colestipol, orlistat, mineral oil, and fat substitutes; subjects taking medications that inhibit activation of vitamin D, including ketoconazole; subjects taking medications that decrease calcium absorption, including corticosteroids; subjects with obesity (vitamin D deposited in body fat stores is less bioavailable); subjects with osteoporosis; and/or postmenopausal women. See U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,488 and Simoliunas et al. “Bioavailability of Different Vitamin D Oral Supplements in Laboratory Animal Models” Medicina, 2019; 55, 265. Atrophic gastritis, in particular, is one of the most significant luminal factors influencing nutrient bioavailability, predominantly through its association with hypochlorhydria. See Gibson, Rosalind. “The role of diet- and host-related factors in nutrient bioavailability and thus nutrient-based dietary requirement estimates” Food Nutr. Bull. 2007 March; 28 (1 Suppl International):S77-100.

Vitamin D is also among the nutrients in which the bioavailability is most impacted by aging, as a result of a reduction in the number of vitamin D receptors in the intestinal mucosa. Bioavailability through gastrointestinal absorption can also be impacted by diet. For example, a high-fiber diet may also lead to enhanced elimination of vitamin D, probably as a result of a reduction in transit time. Many of the above factors vary over different regions and populations, thereby requiring complex algorithms to translate metabolic needs to nutritional requirements through traditional supplements for a given population. See Gibson, Rosalind, “The role of diet- and host-related factors in nutrient bioavailability and thus nutrient-based dietary requirement estimates” Food Nutr. Bull. 2007 March; 28 (1 Suppl International):S77-100.

What is needed is a vitamin D dosage form that can mitigate the variability in bioavailability described above and provide consistent, effective dosage levels, while still providing the flexibility to accommodate very large dosages for the treatment of particular conditions.

While alternative dosage forms for vitamin D, and other nutritional supplements have been proposed, none address the problems or needs described above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,669 describes a lyophilized fast-dispersing dosage form using fish gelatin as the carrier. The '669 patent lists dozens of potential classes of drugs as well as hundreds of specific examples of potential active ingredients, including nutritional agents such as vitamin D. However, there is nothing in the '699 patent that suggests any solutions addressing the problems described above.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 9,775,819 describes oral drug products made with fish gelatin that purportedly address the significant challenges presented by active ingredients that are poorly water soluble. As the '819 patent explains, the cause of this problem is that poor water solubility can limit the speed and extent to which the drug molecules can enter solution or dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract. The '819 patent utilized an approach that involves reducing the particle size of the active ingredient to the submicron or nanoparticle range. However, this particle reduction can cause nanoparticles to re-aggregate either rapidly during processing or on extended storage, which results in increased particle size and thus reduced efficacy. The '819 patent theorized that when using fish gelatin as the carrier, “the fish gelatin acts as a stabilizer both during the milling step and during the freeze-drying step” to prevent such re-aggregation. The '819 patent described this result of using fish gelatin as “completely unexpected” and stated that similar results could not be achieved with other types of gelatin, particularly bovine gelatin.

The '819 patent incorporates by reference the long list of potential active ingredients-including vitamin D—from the '669 patent. However, since the focus of the '819 patent is ultimately increasing absorption of poorly soluble drugs by maintaining nanoparticle size to enhance dissolution and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, it does not recognize nor address the problems or needs described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A major challenge of supplements (e.g., vitamin D supplements) is to provide a sufficient amount of bioavailable supplement, without excessive dosage that can build up in fatty tissue and become toxic. The many factors that impact the gastrointestinal availability of vitamin D described above, by age, disease condition, diet, region, etc., make this a very challenging problem. As described in detail below, the Rapid Infusion Technology™ (RITe) platform of the present invention with vitamin D as the active therapeutic ingredient (ATI) addresses these challenges.

The RITe™ platform is formulated with various supplements such as vitamin D, described below, for administration via the oral mucosae, for rapid infusion into systemic circulation, bypassing the GI tract and hepatic first pass metabolism, thereby greatly reducing the variability in bioavailability described above. As an additional benefit, bypassing the GI tract more closely mimics the natural process of endogenous production of vitamin D by the epidermis, and may thereby improve the functioning of vitamin D in its various metabolic roles. The convenience of the RITe™ platform is also compatible with administration of vitamin D in smaller divided doses, thereby reducing transiently high levels of vitamin D metabolites/hormones that may interfere with calcium and/or phosphorous metabolism. See. e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,426,391.

Furthermore, since vitamin (e.g., vitamin D) deficiency is often associated with, and/or results from autoimmune diseases and/or inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease, that can be treated using cannabidiol (CBD) or an analog or derivative thereof through the RITe™ platform as described in provisional patent application 63/172,386-incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, vitamin D and CBD can be stacked together in a single tablet as described below.

In addition to vitamin D, the RITe™ platform can also be used for other fat-soluble supplements such as vitamins A, E, and K, as well as water-soluble supplements such as B and C vitamins and caffeine.

Thus, the present invention provides:

(1) A rapidly infusing composition, comprising:

-   -   a pharmaceutically acceptable binder and/or excipient system         comprising mammalian gelatin and a sugar alcohol, and     -   at least one supplement selected from the group consisting of a         vitamin D compound, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B,         vitamin C, and caffeine.

(2) The rapidly infusing composition of (1), which is lyophilized.

(3) The rapidly infusing composition of (1) or (2), which has a disintegration time of approximately 1 to 30 seconds in deionized water maintained at 37° C.±2° C.

(4) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (3), which has a disintegration time of approximately 1 to 5 seconds in deionized water maintained at 37° C.±2° C.

(5) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (4), wherein the mammalian gelatin is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 10 to 50 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(6) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (5), wherein the mammalian gelatin is bovine gelatin.

(7) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (6), wherein the sugar alcohol is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 5 to 50 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(8) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (7), wherein the sugar alcohol comprises mannitol.

(9) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (8), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises the vitamin D compound.

(10) The rapidly infusing composition of (9), wherein the vitamin D compound is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(11) The rapidly infusing composition of (9) or (10), wherein the vitamin D compound is vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and/or vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol).

(12) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (11), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin A.

(13) The rapidly infusing composition of (12), wherein the vitamin A is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(14) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (13), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin E.

(15) The rapidly infusing composition of (14), wherein the vitamin E is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(16) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (15), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin K.

(17) The rapidly infusing composition of (16), wherein the vitamin K is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(18) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (17), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin B.

(19) The rapidly infusing composition of (18), wherein the vitamin B is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(20) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (19), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin C.

(21) The rapidly infusing composition of (20), wherein the vitamin C is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 20 to 80 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(22) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (21), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises caffeine.

(23) The rapidly infusing composition of (22), wherein the caffeine is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 20 to 70 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(24) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (23), further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a sweetener, a flavorant, and a colorant.

(25) The rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (24), further comprising cannabidiol (CBD) or a derivative/analog thereof.

(26) The rapidly infusing composition of (25), wherein the CBD or derivative/analog thereof is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 20 to 70 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

(27) A process for manufacturing the rapidly infusing composition of any one of (1) to (26), comprising.

-   -   dissolving mammalian gelatin and the sugar alcohol in water to         form a solution;     -   adding the at least one supplement, and optionally cannabidiol         (CBD) or a derivative/analog thereof, to the solution to form a         drug product mixture; and     -   lyophilizing the drug product mixture to remove water and form         the rapidly infusing composition.

(28) A method of providing nutrient supplementation/modulation and/or a stimulant effect to a subject, the method comprising:

-   -   administering to the subject in need thereof, via the oral         mucosa, a therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly         infusing composition of any one of (1) to (26).

(29) The method of (28), wherein the rapidly infusing composition is administered to the subject via the buccal mucosa.

(30) The method of (28) or (29), wherein the rapidly infusing composition is administered to the subject 1 to 10 times per day.

(31) The method of any one of (28) to (30), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises the vitamin D compound.

(32) The method of (31), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 1 μg to 15 mg of the vitamin D compound per day.

(33) The method of (31) or (32), wherein the vitamin D compound is vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and/or vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol).

(34) The method of one of (31) to (33), wherein the subject suffers from vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency.

(35) The method of one of (31) to (34), wherein the subject has a vitamin D-responsive disease.

(36) The method of one of (28) to (35), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin A.

(37) The method of (36), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 50 μg to 2,000 μg of vitamin A per day.

(38) The method of one of (28) to (37), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin E.

(39) The method of (38), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 1 mg to 100 mg of vitamin E per day.

(40) The method of one of (28) to (39), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin K.

(41) The method of (40), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 10 μg to 300 μg of vitamin K per day.

(42) The method of one of (28) to (41), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin B.

(43) The method of (42), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 0.5 μg to 20 μg of vitamin B per day.

(44) The method of one of (28) to (43), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin C.

(45) The method of (44), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 10 mg to 5,000 mg of vitamin C per day.

(46) The method of one of (28) to (45), wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises caffeine.

(47) The method of (46), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 10 mg to 1.000 mg of caffeine per day.

(48) The method of one of (28) to (47), wherein the rapidly infusing composition further comprises cannabidiol (CBD) or a derivative/analog thereof.

(49) The method of (48), wherein the therapeutically effective amount of CBD or derivative/analog thereof is from 10 to 100 mg of CBD per dose.

(50) The method of (48) or (49), wherein the subject has an autoimmune disorder and/or inflammatory condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and operational changes may be made without departure from the scope of the present embodiments disclosed herein.

Definitions

As used herein, the terms “compound” and “product” are used interchangeably, and are intended to refer to a chemical entity, whether in the solid, liquid or gaseous phase, and whether in a crude mixture or purified and isolated. Throughout the specification and the appended claims, a given chemical formula or name shall encompass all stereo and optical isomers and racemates thereof where such isomers exist. Unless otherwise indicated, all chiral (enantiomeric and diastereomeric) and racemic forms are within the scope of the disclosure. Many geometric isomers of C═C double bonds, C═N double bonds, ring systems, and the like can also be present, and all such stable isomers are contemplated in the present disclosure. Cis- and trans- (or E- and Z-) geometric isomers, when present, may be isolated as a mixture of isomers or as separated isomeric forms. Compounds referenced in the disclosure can be isolated in optically active or racemic forms. Optically active forms may be prepared by resolution of racemic forms or by synthesis from optically active starting materials. All processes used to prepare these compounds and intermediates made therein are considered to be part of the present disclosure. When enantiomeric or diastereomeric products are prepared, they may be separated by conventional methods, for example, by chromatography, fractional crystallization, or through the use of a chiral agent. Depending on the process conditions, the end products referenced in the present disclosure are obtained either in free (neutral) or salt form. Both the free form and the salts of these end products are within the scope of the disclosure. If so desired, one form of a compound may be converted into another form. A free base or acid may be converted into a salt; a salt may be converted into the free compound or another salt; a mixture of isomeric compounds may be separated into the individual isomers. Compounds referenced in the present disclosure, free form and salts thereof, may exist in multiple tautomeric forms, in which hydrogen atoms are transposed to other parts of the molecules and the chemical bonds between the atoms of the molecules are consequently rearranged. It should be understood that all tautomeric forms, insofar as they may exist, are included within the disclosure. Further, a given chemical formula or name shall encompass all conformers, rotamers, or conformational isomers thereof where such isomers exist. Different conformations can have different energies, can usually interconvert, and are very rarely isolatable. There are some molecules that can be isolated in several conformations. For example, atropisomers are isomers resulting from hindered rotation about single bonds where the steric strain barrier to rotation is high enough to allow for the isolation of the conformers. It should be understood that all conformers, rotamers, or conformational isomer forms, insofar as they may exist, are included within the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “solvate” refers to a physical association of a referenced compound with one or more solvent molecules, whether organic or inorganic. This physical association includes hydrogen bonding. In certain instances, the solvate will be capable of isolation, for example when one or more solvent molecules are incorporated in the crystal lattice of the crystalline solid. The solvent molecules in the solvate may be present in a regular arrangement and/or a non-ordered arrangement. The solvate may comprise either a stoichiometric or nonstoichiometric amount of the solvent molecules. Solvate encompasses both solution phase and isolable solvates. Exemplary solvent molecules which may form the solvate include, but are not limited to, water, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, ethyl acetate and other lower alkanols, glycerin, acetone, dichloromethane (DCM), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethyl acetate (DMA), dimethylformamide (DMF), isopropyl ether, acetonitrile, toluene, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), tetrahydrofuran (THF), tetrahydropyran, other cyclic mono-, di- and tri-ethers, polyalkylene glycols (e.g., polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol), and mixtures thereof in suitable proportions. Exemplary solvates include, but are not limited to, hydrates, ethanolates, methanolates, isopropanolates and mixtures thereof. Methods of solvation are generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic groups such as amines; and alkali or organic salts of acidic groups such as carboxylic acids and phenols. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, sulfamic, phosphoric, and nitric; and the salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, stearic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, pamoic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic, salicylic, sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic, oxalic, and isethionic, and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present disclosure can be synthesized from the parent compound that contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two; generally, non-aqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred. Lists of suitable salts are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. (1990)—which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

When referencing a particular composition/material, the phrase “consists essentially of”, means that the particular composition/material may include minor amounts of impurities so long as those impurities do not affect the basic and novel property of the invention—the ability to modulate supplement/nutrient levels in a subject, including the ability to treat vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event(s) can or cannot occur or the subsequently described component(s) may or may not be present (e.g., 0 wt. %).

As used herein, the terms “treat”, “treatment”, and “treating” in the context of the administration of a therapy to a subject in need thereof refers to the reduction or amelioration of severity of symptoms of the condition being treated; reduction of duration of symptoms of the condition being treated; reduction, inhibition, slowing, or arresting of the progression of symptoms associated with the condition; reduction of frequency of symptoms of the condition being treated; elimination of symptoms and/or underlying cause of the condition; prevention of the occurrence of the condition or symptoms of the condition, for example in a subject that may be predisposed to the condition but does not yet experience or exhibit symptoms of the condition; improvement or remediation or amelioration of damage following a condition; and/or causing regression of the condition.

As used herein, a “vitamin D compound” refers to vitamin D itself. e.g., vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and/or vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol), and the like, as well as metabolites and analogs of vitamin D suitable for prophylactic and/or therapeutic use, either singly or in combination. Examples of vitamin D metabolites include, but are not limited to, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂, 24(S)-hydroxyvitamin D₂, 1α.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₄, and 1α,24(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ Examples of vitamin D analogs (including all hydroxy and dihydroxy forms), include, but are not limited to, 1,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D₂ and 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₁.

The terms “vitamin D insufficiency” or “vitamin D deficiency” are generally defined as a condition in which a subject has serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (collective term for 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂) levels below 30 ng/mL (see National Kidney Foundation guidelines, NKF, Am. J. Kidney Dis. 42:S1-S202 (2003), incorporated herein by reference).

As used herein, the term “vitamin D toxicity” refers to the side effects suffered from excessively elevated vitamin D blood levels, including one or more of nausea, vomiting, polyuria, hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia.

The term “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably. As used herein, they refer to any subject for whom or which therapy is desired. In most embodiments, the subject is a human.

The terms “administer”, “administering”, “administration”, and the like, as used herein, refer to the methods that may be used to enable delivery of the active therapeutic ingredient (ATI) to the desired site of biological action. Routes or modes of administration are as set forth herein.

The term “Rapid Infusion Technology™ (RITe) platform” or “rapidly infusing composition”, as used herein means a solid dosage form containing medicinal substances that disintegrates rapidly in the oral cavity (when contacted with saliva) with no need for chewing or drinking/swallowing liquids (e.g., water, liquid carriers, saliva, etc.) to ingest these medicinal substances, with an in-vitro disintegration time of 30 second or less according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <701> Disintegration Test. The disclosed rapidly infusing compositions are thus a different dosage form than, for example, a chewable tablet, a lozenge intended to be dissolved slowly in the mouth, an orally disintegrating film or tablet designed to be dissolved/disintegrated in the mouth and swallowed (also called “orodispersible” formulations), a tablet that should be swallowed whole with food or liquid, oral liquid dosage forms, or any other oral dosage form designed for absorption from the GI tract.

The dosage amount and treatment duration are dependent on factors, such as bioavailability of a drug, administration mode, toxicity of a drug, gender, age, lifestyle, body weight, the use of other drugs and dietary supplements, the disease stage, tolerance and resistance of the body to the administered drug, etc., and then determined and adjusted accordingly. The terms “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” refer to a sufficient amount of an active therapeutic ingredient (ATI) being administered which provides the desired therapeutic or physiological effect or outcome, for example, the amount of ATI sufficient for treating vitamin D deficiency. The result can be a reduction and/or alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of a disease, or any other desired alteration of a biological system. Undesirable effects, e.g. side effects, are sometimes manifested along with the desired therapeutic effect; hence, a practitioner balances the potential benefits against the potential risks in determining what is an appropriate “effective amount”. The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the age and general condition of the subject, mode of administration, and the like. An appropriate “effective amount” in any individual case may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation, for example through the use of dose escalation studies.

Rapid Infusion Technology™ (RITe) Platform

The present disclosure provides a therapeutic formulation presented in the form of a rapidly infusing composition which is suitable for administration of active therapeutic ingredients (ATIs) such as supplements (e.g., one or more vitamin D compounds, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, and caffeine), alone or in combination with a cannabinoid (e.g., CBD or its derivatives/analogs) via a non-gastric mucosal surface. As described in more detail below, the novel delivery platform allows ATIs-such as vitamin D—to be presented in bioavailable unit dosage form for accurate dosing and in an easy-to-take format, for consistent, predictable, and effective biological effects. For example, the rapidly infusing composition may be presented in tablet form and packaged in individual blister units.

The rapidly infusing composition enables oral mucosal administration of ATIs in a solid dosage form directly into systemic circulation via the sublingual mucosa or the buccal mucosa and avoidance of the GI tract and subsequent first pass metabolism. The rapidly infusing composition thus presents ATIs such as vitamin D compounds in a highly bioavailable dosage form, typically with a bioavailability of at least 55%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 65%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and up to 99%, preferably up to 98%, preferably up to 96%, preferably up to 95%, preferably up to 92%. Such high bioavailability allows the dosage amount of ATI to be reduced, whilst maintaining the same pharmacological effect.

Additionally, the rapidly infusing composition enables a defined dose of ATI to be absorbed via the oral mucosae, prior to the gastric mucosa-thereby mitigating the variability in GI absorption and bioavailability across patient populations (e.g., age, disease condition, diet, other medication, region, etc.) and presenting a defined and consistent level of ATI into systemic circulation for consistent and reliable pharmacological effects. The aforementioned high levels of bioavailability may be consistently achieved because the RITe™ platform reduces the tendency for enteral oral administration through voluntary or involuntary swallowing by shortening the residence time the ATI spends in the oral cavity. Any amount of ATI (e.g., vitamin D) that is swallowed would be subject to the GI tract and absorption therefrom and first-pass metabolism, leading to overall lower bioavailability. Swallowing further results in greater variability in the effective amount of dosing, as a result of variability in the amount swallowed and the greater subject variability of bioavailability for the amount swallowed.

Administration may be carried out by simply placing the rapidly infusing composition directly in the buccal cavity (between the cheek and gum) or over the sublingual mucous gland (under the ventral surface of the tongue). Preferred rapidly infusing compositions are those which are lyophilized products formulated for rapid disintegration when placed in such an oral environment for rapid release of the ATI. The rapidly infusing compositions of the present disclosure may have a disintegration time of from approximately 1 second to 30 seconds or less, preferably 25 seconds or less, preferably 20 seconds or less, preferably 15 seconds or less, preferably 10 seconds or less, preferably 5 seconds or less, preferably 3 seconds or less, according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <701> Disintegration Test performed in deionized water maintained at 37° C.±2°. In particular, preferred rapidly infusing compositions are those formulated for oral disintegration in 5 seconds or less, preferably 4 seconds or less, preferably 3 seconds or less, preferably 2 seconds or less, preferably in approximately 1 second, according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <701> Disintegration Test performed in deionized water maintained at 37° C.±2°. A disintegration profile no higher than the above-mentioned upper limit when in intimate contact with a non-gastric mucosal surface provides for rapid absorption of the ATI directly into systemic circulation.

Another advantage of the disclosed RITe™ platform and treatment methods is that buccal/sublingual administration is convenience—the rapidly infusing compositions of the present disclosure are designed to be placed in the buccal cavity or over the sublingual gland for disintegration and systemic absorption in a matter of seconds without mastication, deglutition, or any other neuromuscular activity. One simply “takes it and it's gone.” This ability to administer ATIs such as vitamin D in an easy-to-take format provides dosing flexibility. For example, even large daily target doses that require administration in smaller divided doses throughout the day to reduce/prevent vitamin D toxicity can be accommodated using the rapidly infusing compositions herein while minimizing any inconvenience to the patient.

Yet another advantage of the RITe™ platform is that it enables effective taste masking of foul-tasting ATIs. Two main strategies contribute to the taste masking success of the present disclosure. First, any issues related to foul taste are fundamentally mitigated by the short oral residence times provided by the rapid disintegration profile described heretofore. One “takes it and it's gone.” Second, when formulated with a flavorant, a robust mixture of flavors will hit the tongue at essentially the same time—the unpleasant flavor of the ATI still hits the tongue, but the perception of the flavor is canceled or mitigated by the simultaneous arrival of other flavors. Even then, the robust mixture of flavors will quickly subside as the composition is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa. The effective taste masking provided by the RITe™ platform may be particularly advantageous when combinations of ATIs are provided in one dosage form, such as the case with rapidly infusing compositions formulated with both a vitamin D compound and CBD (or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative/analog thereof).

The rapidly infusing composition herein generally contains (a) a pharmaceutically acceptable binder and/or excipient system that includes gelatin and a sugar alcohol e.g., mannitol, and optionally one or more of a sweetener, a flavorant, and a colorant; and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more active therapeutic ingredient(s) such as a supplement (e.g., a vitamin D compound) or a combination of a supplement (e.g., a vitamin D compound) and CBD or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative/analog thereof.

Pharmaceutically Acceptable Carrier and/or Excipient System

Carriers and/or excipients are ingredients which do not provide a therapeutic effect themselves, but which are designed to interact with, and enhance the properties of, the active therapeutic ingredient. In particular, carriers and/or excipients may act as a vehicle for transporting the active therapeutic ingredient from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. The selection of appropriate carrier/excipient ingredients may impact the solubility, distribution, release profile/kinetics, absorption, serum stability, therapeutic onset time, and ultimately the efficacy of the ATI, as well as the shelf-life, dosage forms, and processability of the drug product. Each ingredient in the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system must be “pharmaceutically acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the rapidly infusing composition and not injurious to the patient.

In light of the above, particular preference is given herein to pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient systems which include gelatin and a sugar alcohol (e.g., mannitol).

Gelatin is to be included in the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system in order to effect matrix formation in the lyophilized product, i.e., gelatin may act primarily as a matrix former. During manufacture of the rapidly infusing composition, lyophilization from an aqueous suspension results in the removal of water thereby leaving behind a gelatin matrix/scaffolding upon which the ATI can be evenly dispersed or suspended. It has been found that gelatin has a propensity to establish a stable matrix in lyophilized form, yet allow for rapid disintegration when brought into contact with the aqueous oral environment, thereby providing efficient transfer of the ATI from the hydrophilic vehicle to the oral mucosa. In this regard, mammalian gelatins such as bovine gelatin and porcine gelatin are preferred, with bovine gelatin being particularly preferred. In some embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition does not contain fish gelatin.

The amount of gelatin used may be varied. Generally, gelatin may be present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of at least 10 wt. %, preferably at least 12 wt. %, preferably at least 14 wt. %, preferably at least 16 wt. %, preferably at least 18 wt. %, preferably at least 20 wt. %, preferably at least 22 wt. %, and up to 50 wt. %, preferably up to 45 wt. %, preferably up to 40 wt. %, preferably up to 35 wt. %, preferably up to 32 wt. %, preferably up to 30 wt. %, preferably up to 28 wt. %, preferably up to 26 wt. %, preferably up to 24 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system is also formulated with one or more sugar alcohols, which may act primarily as a bulking agent. Examples of sugar alcohols include, but are not limited to, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, lactitol, and glycerin, which may be used singly or in combinations. Advantage can also be taken of the effect of certain sugar alcohols in terms of taste (sweetness and coolness due to endothermal heat of solution), as well as their ability to aid/speed tablet disintegration. In this regard, particular preference is given to mannitol.

The sugar alcohol, preferably mannitol, may be present in the rapidly infusing composition in any amount which provides the desired bulking/taste/disintegration effects. Generally, this amount will range from of at least 5 wt. %, preferably at least 10 wt. %, preferably at least 12 wt. %, preferably at least 14 wt. %, preferably at least 16 wt. %, preferably at least 18 wt. %, and up to 50 wt. %, preferably up to 45 wt. %, preferably up to 40 wt. %, preferably up to 35 wt. %, preferably up to 30 wt. %, preferably up to 28 wt %, preferably up to 26 wt. %, preferably up to 24 wt. %, preferably up to 22 wt. %, preferably up to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

In some embodiments, a weight ratio of gelatin to sugar alcohol ranges from 1:3, preferably from 1:2, preferably from 1:1, preferably from 1.1:1, and up to 3:1, preferably up to 2:1, preferably up to 1.5:1, preferably up to 1.2:1.

The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system may also optionally include one or more of a sweetener, a flavorant, and a colorant.

The sweetener may be used in any amount which provides the desired sweetening effect, generally in amount of 0 to 10 wt. %, for example in an amount of up to 10 wt. %, preferably up to 8 wt. %, preferably up to 6 wt. %, preferably up to 5 wt. %, preferably up to 4 wt. %, preferably up to 3 wt. %, preferably up to 2 wt. %, preferably up to 1.5 wt. %, preferably up to 1 wt. %, preferably up to 0.5 wt. %, preferably up to 0.1 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis. Suitable examples of sweeteners include, but are not limited to, aspartame, saccharin (as sodium, potassium or calcium saccharin), cyclamate (as a sodium, potassium or calcium salt), sucralose, acesulfame-K, thaumatin, neohisperidin, dihydrochalcone, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, dextrose, maltodextrin, fructose, levulose, sucrose, and glucose, which may be used singly or in combinations, with particular preference given to sucralose and acesulfame-K.

It is to be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more flavorants may be optionally included in the rapidly infusing composition to mask any unpleasant taste imparted by certain ingredients (e.g., an unpleasant tasting ATI) or to otherwise impart an acceptable taste profile to the composition, and the composition is not limited to any particular flavor. Suitable flavorants include, but are not limited to, oil of wintergreen, oil of peppermint, oil of spearmint, oil of sassafras, oil of clove, cinnamon, anethole, menthol, thymol, eugenol, eucalyptol, lemon, lime, lemon-lime, orange, and other such flavor compounds to add fruit notes (e.g., citrus, cherry etc.), spice notes, etc., to the composition. The flavorants may be constitutionally composed of aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, alcohols (including both aliphatic and aromatic alcohols), as well as mixtures thereof. The flavorant may be used in any amount which provides the desired flavor, generally in an amount of 0 to 10 wt. %, for example in an amount of up to 10 wt. %, preferably up to 8 wt. %, preferably up to 6 wt. %, preferably up to 5 wt. %, preferably up to 4 wt. %, preferably up to 3 wt. %, preferably up to 2 wt. %, preferably up to 1.5 wt. %, preferably up to 1 wt. %, preferably up to 0.5 wt. %, preferably up to 0.1 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

Likewise, the rapidly infusing composition may be colored or tinted through the optional use of one or more colorants. Suitable colorants are those approved by appropriate regulatory bodies such as the FDA and those listed in the European Food and Pharmaceutical Directives and include both pigments and dyes such as FD&C and D&C dyes.

In addition to gelatin and a sugar alcohol (e.g., mannitol), and optionally one or more of a sweetener, a flavorant, and a colorant, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system may optionally include one or more other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients known to those of ordinary skill in art, in art appropriate levels. Examples of which include, but are not limited to,

-   -   fillers or extenders such as starches (e.g., corn starch and         potato starch), sugars (e.g., lactose or milk sugar, maltose,         fructose, glucose, trehalose, sucrose), dextrates, dextrin,         polydextrose, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols,         silicic acid, potassium sulfate, aluminum monostearate,         polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyanhydrides;     -   binders, such as cellulose and its derivatives, (e.g.,         carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,         hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,         hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (hypromellose), hydroxyethyl         methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose         acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, and microcrystalline         cellulose), alginates (e.g., sodium alginate), polyvinyl         pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate-vinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic         acid, methacrylate copolymers (e.g., methyl methacrylate         copolymers and Eudragit® products available from Evonik),         modified starch, powdered tragacanth, malt, acacia (gum arabic),         carbomer/carboxyvinyl polymer, carrageenan, chitosan,         copovidone, cyclodextrins and modified cyclodextrins, guar gum,         inulin, pectin (e.g., low viscosity pectin), polycarbophil or a         salt thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan, xanthan gum, casein,         protein extracts (e.g., whey protein extract, soy protein         extract), zein, levan, elsinan, gluten, locust bean gum, gellan         gum, and agar;     -   disintegrating agents, such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate,         tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, sodium         carbonate, sodium starch glycolate, and cross-linked sodium         carboxymethyl cellulose (croscarmellose sodium);     -   surfactants/absorption accelerators/wetting agents/emulsifying         agents/solubilizers, including any of the anionic, cationic,         nonionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and betaine variety, such as         polyalkylene oxide copolymers (e.g., poloxamers, polyethylene         oxide-polypropylene oxide copolymers), sodium lauryl sulfate,         sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium docusate, sodium lauryl         sulfoacetate, alkali metal or ammonium salts of lauroyl         sarcosinate, myristoyl sarcosinate, palmitoyl sarcosinate,         stearoyl sarcosinate and oleoyl sarcosinate, cetyl alcohol,         glycerol monostearate, glycerol oleate, fatty acid mono- and         di-esters of glycerol, fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol,         polyoxyethylene sorbitol, fatty acid esters of sorbitan,         polysorbates (polyalkolyated fatty acid esters of sorbitan)         (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, monoisostearate         and monolaurate), polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl         phenols, cocoamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine,         palmityl betaine, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate,         fatty alcohols (e.g., cetostearyl and cetyl alcohol), medium         chain triglycerides, medium chain fatty acids, polyethoxylated         castor oil, polyethoxylated alkyl ethers (e.g., ethoxylated         isostearyl alcohols), polyethylene glycols (Macrogols),         polypropylene glycols, polyoxyethylene stearates, anionic and         nonionic emulsifying waxes, propylene glycol alginates,         alcohol-oil transesterification products, polyglycerized fatty         acids, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, mixtures of propylene         glycol fatty acid esters and glycerol fatty acid esters, sterol         and sterol derivatives, sugar esters, lower alcohol fatty acid         esters, fatty acids and bile acids and their corresponding         salts, ricinoleic acid/sodium ricinoleate, linoleic acid/sodium         linoleate, lauric acid/sodium laurate, mono-, di-, and         tri-hydroxy bile acids and their salts, sulfated bile salt         derivatives, phospholipids, ether carboxylates, succinylated         monoglycerides, mono/diacetylated tartaric acid esters of mono-         and diglycerides, citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides,         alginate salts, and lactylic esters of fatly acids;     -   plasticizers such as glycerin fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty         acid esters, lecithin (e.g., enzyme modified lecithin),         polysorbates, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol,         propylene glycol, triacetin, glycerol oleate, medium chain fatty         acids, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-butyl         citrate, diethyl phthalate, castor oil, dibutyl sebacate, and         acetylated monoglycerides;     -   absorbents, such as kaolin and bentonite clay;     -   lubricants, such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate,         solid polyethylene glycols, zinc stearate, sodium stearate,         stearic acid, ethyl oleate, and ethyl laurate;     -   controlled release agents such as cross-linked polyvinyl         pyrrolidone (crospovidone);     -   opacifying agents such as titanium dioxide;     -   buffering agents, including alkaline buffering agents, such as         sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum         hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium         phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium         phosphate, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium         oxide, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen         phosphate, sodium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium         carbonate;     -   osmotic agents such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride,         potassium chloride     -   diluents/tableting agents such as dicalcium phosphate and         colloidal silicon dioxide;     -   antioxidants, including (1) water soluble antioxidants, such as         ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium         metabisulfite, and sodium sulphite, (2) oil-soluble         antioxidants, such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylated         hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin,         propyl gallate, and alpha-tocopherol; and (3) metal chelating         agents, such as citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid         (EDTA), tartaric acid, and phosphoric acid;     -   antibacterial and antifungal agents, such as paraben,         chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid;     -   mucosal adhesion enhancers such as starch graft copolymers         (e.g., starch/acrylic acid copolymers) and other water-swellable         polymers that adhere to wet surfaces of the oral mucosa such as         carbomers, hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxides,         and polyacrylates;     -   as well as other non-toxic compatible substances employed in         pharmaceutical formulations, such as liposomes and micelle         forming agents;     -   including mixtures thereof.

Preferred rapidly infusing compositions are those which contain less than 1 wt. preferably less than 0.5 wt. %, preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, preferably less than 0.05 wt. % preferably less than 0.001 wt. %, preferably 0 wt. %, of other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients, such as those listed above, in particular alkaline buffering agents and/or surfactants.

Also preferred are rapidly infusing compositions which do not contain inert diluents, aqueous carriers, or non-aqueous carriers commonly used in the art for manufacture of liquid dosage forms for oral administration, such as emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. Examples of inert diluents, aqueous or non-aqueous carriers, etc. which are preferably excluded herein may include, but are not limited to, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents, and emulsifiers, such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, glycerol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, oils (whether synthetic, semi-synthetic, or naturally occurring, such as long chain triglycerides, mixed glycerides, and free fatty acids, in particular, cottonseed oil, groundnut oil, corn oil, germ, olive oil, castor oil, sesame oil, borage oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, poppy seed oil, canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oils, glyceryl distearate, behenic acid, caprylic/capric glycerides, lauric acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, palmitostearic acid, ricinoleic acid, stearic acid, soy fatty acids, oleic acid, glyceryl esters of fatty acids (mono-, di-, or tri) such as glyceryl behenate, glyceryl isostearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl palmitate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl ricinoleate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate), waxes (e.g., synthetic wax, microcrystalline wax, paraffin wax, caranuba wax, and bees wax), polyethoxylated castor oil, long chain alcohols (e.g., stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, etc.), tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, fatty acid esters of sorbitan, organic esters such as ethyl oleate, and mixtures thereof.

Active Therapeutic Ingredient (ATI)

The rapidly infusing compositions are formulated with one or more ATIs, suitable examples of which include, but are not limited to, a fat-soluble supplement (e.g., a vitamin D compound such as vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E. and/or vitamin K), a water-soluble supplement (e.g., vitamins B. C. and caffeine), a cannabinoid (e.g., CBD or a derivative/analog thereof), and combinations thereof. Preferred rapidly infusing compositions of the present disclosure are formulated with at least a vitamin D compound, with specific mention being made to vitamin D.

The amount of active therapeutic ingredient (ATI) which can be combined with the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system to produce the rapidly infusing composition may vary depending upon the subject being treated, the ATI employed, and other factors. The amount of ATI which can be combined with the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient system to produce a single dosage form will generally be that amount which produces a therapeutic effect—the rapidly infusing composition provides great flexibility in this regard.

When a vitamin D compound (e.g., vitamin D) is used as the ATI, only trace amounts of the vitamin D compound may be needed in order to provide the desired effects, for example, from 0.0001 wt. %, preferably from 0.001 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 wt. %, to less than 0.1 wt. %, preferably less than 0.08 wt. %, preferably less than 0.06 wt. %, preferably less than 0.04 wt. %, preferably less than 0.02 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis. Higher loadings of the vitamin D compound may be optionally employed in circumstances where very high doses of the vitamin D compound are prescribed for treating particular diseases such as during Covid-19 treatment, for example up to 20 wt. %, preferably up to 15 wt. %, preferably up to 10 wt. %, preferably up to 5 wt. %, preferably up to 1 wt. %, preferably up to 0.5 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis. In terms of unit dose, the rapidly infusing composition is generally formulated with at least 1 μg of a vitamin D compound, preferably at least 2 μg, preferably at least 4 μg, preferably at least 6 μg, preferably at least 8 μg, preferably at least 10 μg, preferably at least 12 μg, preferably at least 14 μg, preferably at least 16 μg, preferably at least 18 μg, preferably at least 20 μg, and up to 15 mg, and up to 10 mg, preferably up to 5 mg, preferably up to 1 mg, preferably up to 800 μg, preferably up to 600 μg, preferably up to 400 μg, preferably up to 200 μg, preferably up to 100 μg, preferably up to 80 μg, preferably up to 60 μg, preferably up to 40 μg, preferably up to 30 μg of the vitamin D compound per unit (e.g., tablet).

Other supplements such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin B may be used as ATI in the rapidly infusing compositions in amounts such as those described above for the vitamin D compound. Whereas other supplements, such as vitamin C and caffeine, when employed, may be included at higher quantities, for example at least 20 wt. %, preferably at least 30 wt. %, preferably at least 40 wt. %, preferably at least 50 wt. %, and up to 90 wt. %, preferably up to 80 wt %, preferably up to 70 wt. %, preferably up to 60 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.

In some embodiments, the rapidly infusing compositions are formulated with a cannabinoid (e.g., CBD or a derivative/analog thereof) in combination with one or more supplements such as those described above, with specific mention being made to a combination of CBD or a derivative analog thereof and a vitamin D compound (e.g., vitamin D). Such a combination of ATIs may be desirable when used to treat patients suffering from an autoimmune disorder and/or inflammatory condition, with CBD or its derivatives/analogs providing therapeutic benefits with respect to the autoimmune/inflammatory disorder itself (as described in U.S. provisional patent application 63/172,386-incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and the vitamin D compound being used to treat vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency that often accompanies such disorders.

When employed, the amount of CBD or derivative/analogs thereof will generally range from at least 1 wt. %, preferably at least 5 wt. %, preferably at least 10 wt. %, preferably at least 15 wt. %, preferably at least 20 wt. %, preferably at least 22 wt. %, preferably at least 24 wt. %, preferably at least 26 wt. %, preferably at least 28 wt. %, preferably at least 30 wt. %, preferably at least 32 wt. %, preferably at least 34 wt. %, preferably at least 36 wt. %, preferably at least 38 wt. %, preferably at least 40 wt. %, preferably at least 42 wt. %, preferably at least 44 wt %, preferably at least 46 wt. %, preferably at least 48 wt. %, preferably at least 50 wt %, preferably at least 52 wt. %, preferably at least 54 wt. %, and up to 70 wt. %, preferably up to 68 wt. %, preferably up to 66 wt. %, preferably up to 64 wt. %, preferably up to 62 wt. %, preferably up to 60 wt. %, preferably up to 58 wt. %, preferably up to 56 wt. % based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis. In terms of unit dose, the rapidly infusing composition may be formulated with at least 2 mg, preferably at least 4 mg, preferably at least 6 mg, preferably at least 8 mg, preferably at least 10 mg, preferably at least 12 mg, preferably at least 14 mg, preferably at least 16 mg, preferably at least 18 mg, preferably at least 20 mg, preferably at least 22 mg, preferably at least 24 mg, and up to 100 mg, preferably up to 75 mg, preferably up to 70 mg, preferably up to 65 mg, preferably up to 60 mg, preferably up to 55 mg, preferably up to 50 mg, preferably up to 45 mg, preferably up to 40 mg, preferably up to 35 mg, preferably up to 30 mg, preferably up to 25 mg of CBD or its derivatives/analogs per unit (e.g., tablet).

In preferred embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with, as the active therapeutic ingredient, vitamin D, or a combination of vitamin D and cannabidiol (CBD) or any pharmaceutically acceptable derivativeianalog, salt, solvate, or stereoisomer thereof.

When formulated with CBD, it is preferred that a solid form of CBD be used. That is, the rapidly infusing composition is prepared through lyophilization from a drug product mixture in which the CBD is in the form of a solid (i.e., a drug product suspension). In particular, micronized particles of CBD are preferred. In some embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with solid CBD in the form of micronized particles having a D50 particle size in the range of 1 μm to 50 μm, for example, those having a D50 particle size of at least 1 μm, preferably at least 10 μm, preferably at least 20 μm, preferably at least 30 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, and up to 50 μm, preferably up to 40 μm, preferably up to 30 μm, preferably up to 20 μm, preferably up to 10 μm.

Even more preferred are those rapidly infusing compositions which are formulated with a solid form of CBD having a purity of at least 95 wt. %, preferably at least 96 wt. %, preferably at least 97 wt. %, preferably at least 98 wt. %, preferably at least 99 wt. %. While CBD having a purity of 100 wt. % is likely not achievable, preferably rapidly infusing compositions are formulated with a solid form of CBD having a purity up to 99.1 wt %, preferably up to 99.2 wt. %, preferably up to 99.3 wt. %, preferably up to 99.4 wt. %, preferably up to 99.5 wt. %, preferably up to 99.6 wt. %, preferably up to 99.7 wt. %, preferably up to '99.8 wt. %, preferably up to 99.9 wt. %. The percent purity of CBD refers to the percent of CBD by mass relative to a total weight of CBD containing material—the CBD containing material being the sum of CBD plus any additional impurities which may be present, such as those impurities originating from the biomass from which the CBD is obtained (e.g., Cannabis sativa L./“Industrial Hemp”) or encountered during manufacture.

The purity may be determined by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, for example, one or more of liquid chromatography such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS); gas chromatography such as headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSGCMS); inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Examples of potential impurities, such as those originating from the biomass from which the CBD is obtained (e.g., Cannabis sativa L./“Industrial Hemp”) or encountered during manufacture, include, but are not limited to,

-   -   cannabinoids (other than CBD) including, but not limited to,         cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiolic acid         (CBDa), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerolic acid (CBGa),         cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa),         tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), tetrahydrocannabivarin acid         (THCVa), and tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and related         THC-cannabinoids such as Δ8-THC;     -   pesticides including, but not limited to, aldicarb, carbofuran,         chlordane, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, coumaphos, daminozide,         dichlorvos (DDVP), dimethoate, ethoprophos, etofenprox,         fenoxycarb, fipronil, imazalil, methiocarb, methyl parathion,         paclobutrazol, propoxur, spiroxamine, and thiacloprid;     -   residual solvents including, but not limited to, 1,4-dioxane,         2-butanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 1,2-dichloroethane, acetone,         acetonitrile, benzene, butane, cumene, cyclohexane, chloroform,         ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl benzene, ethylene oxide, ethylene         glycol, ethyl ether, heptane, isopropanol, methanol, methylene         chloride, hexanes, isopropyl acetate, pentanes, propane,         toluene, tetrahydrofuran, trichloroethene, and xylenes;     -   microbials including, but not limited to, Aspergillus flavus,         Aspergailus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus,         Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing E coli;     -   mycotoxins including, but not limited to, aflatoxins (e.g.,         aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, and aflatoxin G2) and         ochratoxin A;     -   heavy metals including, but not limited to, arsenic, cadmium,         lead, and mercury;     -   terpenes including, but not limited to, (1) monoterpenes such as         camphene, camphor, 3-carene, α-cedrene, cedrol, endo-fenchyl         alcohol, eucalyptol, fenchone, geraniol, geranul acetate,         hexahydrothymol, isobomeol, isopulegol, limonene, linalool,         p-mentha-1,5-diene, β-myrcene, α- and β-pinene, pulegone,         sabinene and hydrate, α- and γ-terpinene, terpineol,         terpinolene, α-, β-, and γ-terpineol, nerol, borneol, and         ocimene isomers I and II, and (2) sesquiterpenes such as         α-bisabolol, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, guaiol,         α-humulene, cis- and trans-nerolidol, and valencene;     -   as well as mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with a form of CBD which contains less than 1 wt. %, preferably less than 0.5 wt. %, preferably less than 0.1 wl.%, preferably less than 0.05 wt. %, preferably less than 0.001 wt. %, preferably 0 wt. % of the above listed impurities, based on a total weight of the CBD material, with specific mention being made to THC. In some embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with a form of CBD which contains no impurity, such as those listed above, in an amount above the limits of detection (LOD) and/or limits of quantification (LOQ) for the technique/instrumentation being used to make such a determination. For example, preferred rapidly infusing compositions are those formulated with a pure form of CBD which has a THC content of less than 0.1577 wt. %, preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, preferably less than 0.01 wt. %, preferably less than 0.001 wt. %, based on a total weight of the CBD material. In preferred embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with a pure form of CBD which consists of, or consists essentially of, CBD.

Any CBD manufacturing method known by those of ordinary skill in the art which provides CBD in solid form, and of sufficient purity, may be utilized herein for preparation of the CBD ATI. For illustration purposes, one exemplary CBD manufacturing method is described below, although it should be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible, and the CBD may be produced using methods or techniques otherwise than as specifically described.

CBD may be extracted/isolated from biomass, for example, a cured flower of Cannabis sativa L. The biomass may contain, for example, at least 1 mg/g, preferably at least 2 mg/g, preferably at least 3 mg/g, and up to 10 mg/g, preferably up to 8 mg/g, preferably up to 6 mg/g, preferably up to 4 mg/g of CBD; at least 50 mg/g, preferably at least 60 mg/g, preferably at least 70 mg/g, preferably at least 80 mg/g, preferably at least 90 mg/g, and up to 150 mg/g, preferably up to 140 mg/g, preferably up to 130 mg/g, preferably up to 120 mg/g, preferably up to 110 mg/g, preferably up to 100 mg/g of cannabidiolic acid (CBDa); and no detectable amount of THC. Extraction of the biomass with an alcoholic solvent (e.g., ethanol) and cooling may form a tincture. The tincture may be filtered to remove sediment and particulates, and concentrated, for example, using a rotary evaporator.

An aluminum phyllosilicate clay (e.g., bentonite) may then be mixed with the concentrated product at a weight ratio of at least 2:1, preferably at least 3:1, preferably at least 4:1, and up to 6:1, preferably up to 5:1, and the resulting mix filtered to remove fats, waxes, and lipids. The product may then be frozen/winterized, after which the frozen product may be again filtered and taken through another solvent removal/recovery cycle to form a winterized crude.

Decarboxylation of the winterized crude by heating, for example in an induction oven centrifugal reactor, may be performed to remove the carboxylic acid functionality from the cannabinoids. Distillation of the decarboxylated material may then provide a distillate.

The distillate may then be precipitated in a high-pressure reactor using an alkane solvent (e.g., pentane), and a cryochamber may be used to subject the precipitate to cryo temperatures (e.g., −20° F. to −40° F.) to promote the growth of crystalline CBD. The CBD crystals may be washed with an alkane solvent (e.g., pentane), filtered, and ground to a finer particle size, prior to being purged in a vacuum oven for removal of solvents and impurities. The obtained solid CBD may then be analyzed for purity, as appropriate.

In preferred embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of gelatin, mannitol, sweetener, flavorant, colorant, and as the ATI, vitamin D or a combination of vitamin D and CBD or derivative/analog thereof.

Derivatives/analogs of CBD which are contemplated for use herein are those that retain desired biological activity. e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory conditions. Derivatives/analogs that retain substantially the same activity as CBD, or more preferably exhibit improved activity, may be produced according to standard principles of medicinal chemistry, which are well known in the art. Such derivatives/analogs may exhibit a lesser degree of activity than CBD, so long as they retain sufficient activity to be therapeutically effective. Derivatives/analogs may exhibit improvements in other properties that are desirable in active therapeutic agents such as, for example, improved solubility, reduced toxicity, enhanced uptake, increased bioavailability, etc. Contemplated CBD derivatives/analogs include, but are not limited to, cannabidiolic acid compounds and variants thereof, such as cannabidiolic acid and esters of cannabidiolic acid, in particular alkyl esters of cannabidiolic acid (e.g., cannabidiolic acid methyl ester): 5′ side chain modified CBD compounds such as cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl (CBD-DMH), and 1,2-cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl (1,2-CBD-DMH); 7-methyl modified CBD compounds such as 7-carboxy cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD) and 7-hydroxy cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD); hydrogenated CBD compounds such as 8,9-dihydrocannabidiol (H₂—CBD) and tetrahydrocannabidiol (H₄—CBD); halogenated CBD compounds such as 3′-chloro-CBD, 3′,5′-dichloro-CBD, 3′-bromo-CBD, 3′,5′-dibromo-CBD, 3′-iodo-CBD, and 3′,5′-diiodo-CBD; hydroxyl group modified CBD compounds such as desoxy-CBD and dimethylether CBD; cannabielsoin (CBE); machaeridiols A, B, and C; as well as any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and/or stereoisomers of such compounds. When a CBD derivative/analog is used in the disclosed rapidly infusing composition, particular preference is given to cannabidiolic acid methyl ester. It is contemplated that CBD or derivatives/analogs of CBD may be useful in combination. Specific dosages and dosing regimens would be based on physicians' evolving knowledge and the general skill in the art.

Process for Manufacturing the Rapidly Infusing Composition

Manufacturing of the rapidly infusing compositions are preferably pharmaceutical-GMP compliant and may be accomplished generally by bringing into association the ATI (e.g., vitamin D compound) with the gelatin and sugar alcohol (e.g., mannitol), and, optionally, one or more accessory pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient ingredients, in water to form a drug product mixture which is then lyophilized. Depending on the aqueous solubility of the ATI, the drug product mixture may be classified as either a drug product solution (when the ATI(s) is/are water soluble) or a drug product suspension (when at least one ATI is water insoluble, such as the case when formulated with CBD and/or a fat-soluble supplement).

One exemplary method for manufacturing the rapidly infusing composition is presented below, although it should be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible, and the rapidly infusing composition may be produced using methods or techniques otherwise than as specifically described.

Purified water, gelatin, and sugar alcohol (e.g., mannitol) may be charged to a mixer, for example a pot equipped with an overhead stirrer, and heated (e.g., 40 to 80° C.) with agitation until complete solvation. Any desired sweetener (e.g., a mixture of sucralose and acesulfame-K) may then be added and allowed to dissolve.

Upon cooling, for example to 20 to 35° C. the solution may next be transferred to a homogenizer, and the ATI (e.g., vitamin D and CBD) may be subsequently charged and dissolved/dispersed using the homogenizer, with preferable micronization in the case of insoluble ATI, to form a drug product mixture. Any desired flavorant and colorant may be added at this point with continued mixing. The drug product mixture may be transferred to a second mixer whilst maintaining a cooled temperature (e.g., 20 to 35° C.).

In a blistering machine equipped with a dosing system, blister pockets may next be filled with the drug product mixture until achieving a target dose weight, followed by freezing in a suitable cryochamber. The blister trays may be transferred from the cryochamber to a suitable refrigerated storage cabinet (e.g., at a temperature below 0° C.) to keep the product frozen prior to lyophilization. Then, the frozen blisters may be loaded into a lyophilizer and subject to lyophilization to sublimate the water and form the rapidly infusing compositions. Finally, when the lyophilization cycle is deemed complete, final sealing (e.g., heat sealing of blister lidding) may be performed to provide the rapidly infusing compositions in single dose units in individual blister units.

Therapeutic Applications and Methods

The present disclosure relates generally to methods of administering an effective amount of a fat-soluble supplement (e.g., a vitamin D compound such as vitamin D; vitamin A; vitamin E; and/or vitamin K), a water-soluble supplement (e.g., vitamins B, C, and caffeine), a cannabinoid (e.g., CBD or a derivative/analog thereof), or a combination thereof, to a subject in need thereof, via the disclosed rapidly infusing composition, in one or more of its embodiments. Administration may be performed to provide nutrient/vitamin supplementation to a subject, for example when the rapidly disintegrating composition is formulated with a vitamin D compound, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B. and/or vitamin C. Administration may also be performed to provide stimulant effects to a subject, for example when the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with caffeine. Administration may also be performed to address disease states that can be treated with psychoactive substances, for example for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory conditions when the rapidly infusing composition is formulated with CBD.

Preferred methods involve administration of at least a vitamin D compound for providing vitamin D supplementation or modulation to the subject, for example to treat vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Subjects in need of vitamin D supplementation or modulation may include, but are not limited to, subjects with fat malabsorption syndromes and gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease, other liver disease, gallbladder disease, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, atrophic gastritis); subjects who have undergone surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, intestines, or gallbladder; subjects with gum disease; subjects taking medications that increase the catabolism of vitamin D, including phenyloin, fosphenyloin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin; subjects taking medications that reduce absorption of vitamin D, including cholestyramine, colestipol, orlistat, mineral oil, and fat substitutes; subjects taking medications that inhibit activation of vitamin D, including ketoconazole; subjects taking medications that decrease calcium absorption, including corticosteroids; subjects with obesity (vitamin D deposited in body fat stores is less bioavailable); postmenopausal women; subjects that do not drink vitamin D fortified milk (e.g. lactose intolerant subjects, subjects with milk allergy, vegetarians who do not consume milk, and breast fed infants); subjects with dark skin; the elderly (who have a reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D and also are more likely to stay indoors); institutionalized adults (who are likely to stay indoors, including subjects with Alzheimers disease or mentally ill); subjects who cover all exposed skin (such as members of certain religions or cultures); subjects who always use sunscreen; subjects with parathyroid conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and secondary hyperparathyroidism; subjects with conditions effecting the pancreas such as diabetes; subjects with thyroid conditions such as medullary carcinoma; subjects suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis and those in stages of wound healing; subjects with conditions effecting the lungs such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis; subjects with kidney conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD)(stage 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 CKD) and hypophosphatemic VDRR subjects with bone conditions such as fibrogenisis imperfecta ossium, osteitis fibrosa cystica, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteosclerosis, renal osteodytrophy, and rickets; subjects with conditions effecting the intestines such as those taking glucocorticoid antagonists, idiopathic hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, steatorrhea, and tropical sprue; and subjects with autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory conditions.

Administration of a vitamin D compound (e.g., vitamin D) may also be useful for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of vitamin D-responsive diseases, i.e., diseases where a vitamin D compound prevents onset or progression of disease, or reduces signs or symptoms of disease. Such vitamin D-responsive diseases include, but are not limited to, cancer (e.g., breast, lung, skin, melanoma, colon, colorectal, rectal, prostate and bone cancer); autoimmune diseases and/or inflammatory diseases; hypertension and cardiovascular diseases such as those subjects with atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, obesity or other weight disorders, lipid disorders (e.g. hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia including associated diabetic dyslipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia hypoalphalipoproteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and low HDL (high density lipoprotein)), metabolic disorders (e.g. metabolic syndrome. Type II diabetes mellitus, Type I diabetes mellitus, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, diabetic complication including neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcer and cataracts), and/or thrombosis.

For the treatment of an autoimmune disorder and/or inflammatory condition, it may be desirable to formulate the rapidly infusing compositions with both a vitamin D compound and a cannabinoid such as CBD or its derivatives/analogs. Such a combination provides dual benefits—the autoimmune/inflammatory disorder itself can be treated using CBD (as described in U.S. provisional patent application 63/172,386-incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and because vitamin D deficiency often accompanies such disorders, the vitamin D compound may be used to modulate/supplement vitamin D levels in the subject.

Examples of such autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory conditions include, but are not limited to, systemic autoimmune diseases (previously referred to as collagen diseases) such as rheumatoid arthritis including juvenile RA, psoriasis (e.g., moderate to severe plaque psoriasis), eczema, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), Sharp's syndrome, CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud's syndrome, esophageal dysmotility, telangiectasia), dermatomyositis (e.g., juvenile dermatomyositis), vasculitis (e.g., Morbus Wegener's), T cell-mediated collagen-induced arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome; renal diseases such as Goodpasture's syndrome, rapidly-progressing glomerulonephritis, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II; endocrine diseases such as type-I diabetes, autoimmune diabetes, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), autoimmune parathyroidism, pernicious anemia, gonad insufficiency, idiopathic Morbus Addison's, hyperthyreosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and primary myxedema; skin diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, herpes gestationis, epidermolysis bullosa, and erythema multiforme major; liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis type-I, autoimmune hepatitis type-2, and primary sclerosing cholangitis; neuronal diseases such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myasthenic Lambert-Eaton syndrome, acquired neuromyotomy, Guillain-Barre syndrome (Muller-Fischer syndrome), stifT-man syndrome, cerebellar degeneration, ataxia, opsoclonus, sensoric neuropathy, and achalasia; blood diseases such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Morbus Werlhof); infectious diseases with associated autoimmune reactions such as AIDS, malaria, and Chagas disease; inflammatory bowel diseases/conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; sarcoidosis; cancers with inflammatory components such as mycosis fungoides; and arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions such as polyarticular juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Specific mention is made herein to the treatment of refractory autoimmune diseases and/or inflammatory conditions of those listed above, such as refractory inflammatory bowel disease, e.g., refractory Crohn's disease. Such conditions are considered to be “refractory” herein when they present as persistent acute symptomatic disease despite anti-inflammatory therapy (e.g., therapy using glucocorticoids and/or other disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD's)), or as chronically active disease requiring continuous treatment for relief of symptoms.

With respect to administration, the rapidly infusing composition is preferably administered to the subject via one or more of the oral mucosae, preferably via the buccal mucosa (buccally) or the sublingual mucosa (sublingually). Advantages of oral mucosal delivery include the ease of administration, the ability to bypass the GI tract and absorption therefrom as well as first pass metabolic processes thereby enabling higher bioavailability (which in turn allows the dosage amount of ATI to be reduced whilst maintaining the same pharmacological effect), less variability between patients, sustained drug delivery, and extensive drug absorption due to either a large surface area in the case of sublingual administration or high-levels of vascularization in the case of buccal administration. Administration may be carried out by simply placing the rapidly infusing composition directly in the buccal cavity (between the cheek and gum) or over the sublingual mucous gland (under the ventral surface of the tongue). While the sublingual mucosa has a large surface area and extremely good permeability, the blood supply (blood flow) is lesser than that of the buccal cavity. Furthermore, sublingual administration tends to stimulate the flow of saliva more than buccal administration, and the increased saliva production may make it more difficult for patients to avoid swallowing. Any amount of ATI that is swallowed would require absorption from the GI tract and be subject to first pass metabolism and thus overall lower bioavailability. Swallowing further results in greater variability in the effective amount of dosing, as a result of, including but not limited to, the variability in the amount swallowed and the greater patient variability of bioavailability through GI absorption rate and first-pass metabolism for the amount swallowed. Therefore, in preferred embodiments, the rapidly infusing composition is administered buccally (through the buccal mucosa). The rapid disintegration of the rapidly infusing composition, approximately in 1-5 seconds in preferred embodiments, and buccal administration together combine to provide optimal dosing control by limiting the time for potential swallowing and ensuring that the vast majority of the ATI is absorbed through the buccal mucosa. Administration may be performed by the subject (self-administered) or by someone other than the subject, for example, a healthcare provider, care-taker, family member, etc.

The actual amount of ATI administered to the subject via the rapidly infusing composition described herein may be varied so as to achieve the desired biological effect for a particular subject, composition, and mode of administration, without being toxic to the subject. The selected amount of ATI administered to the subject will depend upon a variety of factors including the condition being treated, the activity of the ATI employed, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion or metabolism of the particular compound being employed, the rate and extent of absorption, the duration of the treatment, other drugs, compounds, and/or materials used in combination with the rapidly infusing composition, the age, sex, weight, condition, general health, and prior medical history of the subject being treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.

A physician having ordinary skill in the art can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the ATI required. For example, the physician could start doses of the ATI at levels lower than that required in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. In general, a suitable dose of the ATI will be that amount which is the lowest dose effective to produce a therapeutic effect, which will generally depend upon the factors described above.

An effective amount of a vitamin D compound (e.g., vitamin D), on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 1 μg (40 IU), preferably at least 2 μg (80 IU), preferably at least 4 μg (160 IU), preferably at least 6 μg (240 IU), preferably at least 8 μg (320 IU), preferably at least 10 μg (400 IU), preferably at least 12 μg (480 IU), preferably at least 14 μg (560 IU), preferably at least 15 μg (600 IU), and up to 40 μg (1,600 IU), preferably up to 30 μg (1,200 IU), preferably up to 20 μg (800 IU). Although in some cases much larger vitamin D daily doses may be administered, for example up to 15 mg, and up to 10 mg, preferably up to 5 mg, preferably up to 1 mg, preferably up to 800 μg, preferably up to 600 μg, preferably up to 400 μg, preferably up to 200 μg, preferably up to 100 μg, preferably up to 80 μg, preferably up to 60 μg, preferably up to 50 μg.

An effective amount of a vitamin A, on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 50 μg, preferably at least 100 μg, preferably at least 200 μg, preferably at least 300 μg, preferably at least 400 μg, preferably at least 500 μg, preferably at least 600 μg, preferably at least 700 μg, preferably at least 800 μg, and up to 2,000 μg, preferably up to 1,500 μg, preferably up to 1,000 μg, preferably up to 900 μg.

An effective amount of a vitamin E, on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 1 mg, preferably at least 2 mg, preferably at least 4 mg, preferably at least 6 mg, preferably at least 8 mg, preferably at least 10 mg, and up to 100 mg, preferably up to 80 mg, preferably up to 60 mg, preferably up to 40 mg, preferably up to 20 mg, preferably up to 15 mg.

An effective amount of a vitamin K, on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 10 μg, preferably at least 25 μg, preferably at least 50 μg, preferably at least 75 μg, preferably at least 90 μg, preferably at least 100 μg, and up to 300 μg, preferably up to 200 μg, preferably up to 150 μg, preferably up to 120 μg.

An effective amount of a vitamin B, on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 0.5 μg, preferably at least 1 μg, preferably at least 1.5 μg, preferably at least 2 μg, preferably at least 2.5 μg, and up to 20 μg, preferably up to 15 μg, preferably up to 10 μg, preferably up to 5 μg.

An effective amount of a vitamin C, on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 10 mg, preferably at least 20 mg, preferably at least 30 mg, preferably at least 40 mg, preferably at least 50 mg, preferably at least 65 mg, and up to 5,000 mg, preferably up to 4,000 mg, preferably up to 3,000 mg, preferably up to 2.000 mg, preferably up to 1,000 mg, preferably up to 500 mg.

An effective amount of caffeine, on a per day basis, typically ranges from at least 10 mg, preferably at least 50 mg, preferably at least 100 mg, preferably at least 150 mg, preferably at least 200 mg, preferably at least 250 mg, and up to 1,000 mg, preferably up to 800 mg, preferably up to 600 mg, preferably up to 500 mg, preferably up to 400 mg, preferably up to 300 mg.

An effective amount of CBD or a derivative/analog thereof will typically range from at least 10 mg, preferably at least 15 mg, preferably at least 20 mg, preferably at least 25 mg, preferably at least 30 mg, preferably at least 35 mg, preferably at least 40 mg, preferably at least 45 mg, preferably at least 50 mg, and up to 100 mg, preferably up to 95 mg, preferably up to 90 mg, preferably up to 85 mg, preferably up to 80 mg, preferably up to 75 mg, preferably up to 70 mg, preferably up to 65 mg, preferably up to 60 mg, preferably up to 55 mg of CBD or derivative/analog thereof per dose.

The methods herein may involve administering one, or more than one, unit of the rapidly infusing composition per dose (dosing event). For example, in circumstances where each unit of the rapidly infusing composition contains 5 μg of ATI (e.g., vitamin D), and it has been determined that a subject requires a therapeutically effective amount of 10 μg of ATI per dose, then the subject may be given two (2) units (e.g., tablets) to achieve the desired therapeutically effective amount of 10 μg of ATI per dose. Accordingly, depending on the unit dose of ATI in each unit of the rapidly infusing composition, the therapeutically effective amount of ATI prescribed, etc., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more units (e.g., tablets) may be administered to the subject per dose. Accordingly, the phrases “administering to the subject in need thereof a rapidly infusing composition”, “the rapidly infusing composition is administered”, etc., are intended herein to include administration of a single unit (e.g., tablet), or multiple units (e.g., tablets), to the subject in order to provide the therapeutically effective amount of ATI, e.g., vitamin D. While it may be possible to administer partial (e.g., half) tablets to the subject, for practical reasons, it is preferred that one or more whole tablets are administered to the subject.

Preferred dosing regimens are those involving a consistent dosing amount and schedule. The subject may be prescribed a dosage regimen that involves a single dosing event per day (QD), or multiple, separate dosing events at appropriate time intervals throughout the day. The subject may be administered a therapeutically effective amount of ATI 1 time, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, 10 times, or even more times, optionally at appropriate intervals, throughout the day. Preferred dosing regimens involve administration of the rapidly infusing composition once (QD), two times (b.i.d.), or three times (t.i.d.) per day. One non-limiting example of a dosing regimen may involve the subject taking one unit of the rapidly infusing composition (e.g., 10 μg vitamin D)-therapeutically effective amount of 10 μg vitamin D per dose-once per day (QD). Another non-limiting example of a dosing regimen may involve the subject taking two units of the rapidly infusing composition (e.g., 5 μg vitamin D)-therapeutically effective amount of 10 μg vitamin D per dose-two times per day (b.i.d.).

The rapidly infusing composition may also be administered on an hourly dosing schedule (q), for example, administration may take place every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 hours, as appropriate. The use of multiple divided doses throughout the day may be preferred in situations where the subject requires a high daily dose of ATI, e.g., vitamin D, with the smaller divided doses limiting vitamin D toxicity by preventing the accumulation of transiently high levels of vitamin D metabolites/hormones in the subject. The use of multiple divided dosages can be easily accommodated owing to the easy-to-take, convenient administration provided by the RITe™ platform disclosed herein.

Treatment may involve administration on consecutive days, or otherwise, until desired effects are achieved. For example, the subject may be administered a therapeutically effective dose, at least 1 time per day and up to 10 times per day, for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, I1 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, or more, such as weeks, months, or even years.

Upon being administered buccally (between the cheek and gum) or sublingually (under the ventral surface of the tongue), the rapidly infusing composition preferably disintegrates in 5 seconds or less, preferably 4 seconds or less, preferably 3 seconds or less, preferably 2 seconds or less, preferably about 1 second. Further, this route of administration may provide a single dose bioavailability of at least 55%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 65%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and up to 99%, preferably up to 98%, preferably up to 96%, preferably up to 95%, preferably up to 92%.

The rapidly infusing composition may be used as a stand-alone therapeutic agent, for example for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency when formulated with a vitamin D compound. Alternatively, the rapidly infusing composition may be used in combination therapy, for example where the subject is treated for vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency while at the same time receiving treatment for another condition, particularly those conditions which are often associated with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, examples of which include malabsorption syndromes and gastrointestinal diseases, parathyroid conditions, conditions effecting the pancreas, thyroid conditions, skin conditions, conditions effecting the lungs, kidney conditions, bone conditions, conditions effecting the intestines, autoimmune disorders, certain types of cancer, and hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

The examples below are intended to further illustrate the materials and methods of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Where a numerical limit or range is stated herein, the endpoints are included. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

As used herein the words “a” and “an” and the like carny the meaning of “one or more.”

The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments “comprising”, “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.

All patents and other references mentioned above are incorporated in full herein by this reference, the same as if set forth at length.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Examples Rapidly Infusing Compositions Ingredients

The ingredients that are used to make the rapidly infusing compositions in these examples are given in Table 1. USP=United States Pharmacopeia. EP=European Pharmacopoeia. NF=National Formulary. In these examples, the Vitamin D to be used is a mixture of vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol). Alternatively, either vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) or vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol), or vitamin D metabolites and/or analogs, or mixtures thereof could be used.

Example rapidly infusing compositions are made using the formulations given in Tables 2 and 3. The amount of each component is expressed in terms of weight percentage relative to a total weight (100%). The weight percentage of each component in the drug product suspension is on a wet basis (prior to removal of water). The weight percentage of each component in the rapidly infusing composition is on a dry basis (after removal of water).

TABLE 1 Ingredients Ingredient Primary Function Specification Gelatin Matrix former USP/EP/NF Mannitol Bulking agent USP/EP Lemon-lime flavor powder Flavorant Non-compendial CBD isolate ATI Non-compendial Vitamin D ATI USP/EP/NF Sucralose Sweetener USP/NF Acesulfame-K Sweetener USP/NF FD&C Yellow #5 Colorant Non-compendial Purified water Vehicle USP/EP

TABLE 2 Example rapidly infusing composition formulation with vitamin D Drug product suspension Rapidly Infusing Composition % wt./wt. wt./unit % wt./wt. Ingredient (wet) (dry) (dry) Gelatin 3.5 2.1 mg 49.3 Mannitol 3.0 1.8 mg 42.2 Lemon-lime flavor 0.2 0.12 mg 2.82 powder Vitamin D Trace 10 μg Trace Sucralose 0.2 0.12 mg 2.82 Acesulfame-K 0.2 0.12 mg 2.82 FD&C Yellow #5 Trace Trace Trace Purified water 84.5 Removed during Removed during manufacture manufacture Total 100.0 — 100.0

TABLE 3 Example rapidly infusing composition formulation with vitamin D and CBD Drug product suspension Rapidly Infusing Composition % wt./wt. wt./unit % wt./wt. Ingredient (wet) (dry) (dry) Gelatin 3.5 10.5 mg 22.7 Mannitol 3.0 9 mg 19.4 Lemon-lime flavor 0.2 0.6 mg 1.3 powder CBD isolate 8.4 25 mg 54.0 Vitamin D Trace 10 μg Trace Sucralose 0.2 0.6 mg 1.3 Acesulfame-K 0.2 0.6 mg 1.3 FD&C Yellow #5 Trace Trace Trace Purified water 84.5 Removed during Removed during manufacture manufacture Total 100.0 — 100.0

Methods of making the rapidly infusing compositions

-   -   Purified water is charged to a pot and mixed using an overhead         stirrer as an agitating device.     -   With agitation, the requisite amount of gelatin and mannitol are         dispersed, and the mixture is heated until the excipients are         dissolved.     -   Once dissolved, the sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame-K are         added and allowed to dissolve.     -   The solution is cooled to 30° C., moved to an overhead         homogenizer, and then the requisite amount of ATI (e.g.,         cannabidiol isolate, vitamin D) is charged and dispersed using         the homogenizer to micronize the CBD, if present, and to create         a drug product suspension.     -   The requisite amount of Lemon-Lime flavor is charged and mixed         for 10 minutes, then the FD&C Yellow #5 colorant is added.     -   The resulting drug product suspension is transferred to a second         overhead mixer and maintained at a temperature of 30° C. for the         ensuing dosing operation.     -   In a blistering machine equipped with a dosing system, blister         pockets are filled with a target dose weight of 300.0 mg of the         drug product suspension.     -   The product is frozen in a suitable cryochamber and then the         blister trays are transferred from the cryochamber to a suitable         refrigerated storage cabinet (temperature below 0° C.) prior to         lyophilizing to keep the product frozen.     -   The frozen blisters are loaded from the refrigerated storage         cabinet into lyophilizers and the product is lyophilized (water         was sublimated) to form the rapidly infusing compositions.     -   When the lyophilizing cycle is complete, the rapidly infusing         compositions are transferred from the lyophilizers to the         blistering machine where the blister trays are heat sealed with         lidding material. The resulting tablets are flat-topped circular         units approximately 15 mm in diameter with a convex bottom         packaged in individual blister units (see also U.S. Provisional         Application 63/114,181—incorporated herein by reference in its         entirety).     -   The following tests were performed:         -   A seal integrity test was performed at −0.5 Bar for 30             seconds, 1-minute soak time         -   Visual inspection was performed         -   Dry weight testing was performed 

1. A rapidly infusing composition, comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable binder and/or excipient system comprising mammalian gelatin and a sugar alcohol, and at least one supplement selected from the group consisting of a vitamin D compound, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, and caffeine.
 2. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, which is lyophilized.
 3. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, which has a disintegration time of approximately 1 to 30 seconds in deionized water maintained at 37° C.±2° C.
 4. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, which has a disintegration time of approximately 1 to 5 seconds in deionized water maintained at 37° C.±2° C.
 5. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the mammalian gelatin is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 10 to 50 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 6. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the mammalian gelatin is bovine gelatin.
 7. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar alcohol is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 5 to 50 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 8. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar alcohol comprises mannitol.
 9. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises the vitamin D compound.
 10. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 9, wherein the vitamin D compound is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 11. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 9, wherein the vitamin D compound is vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and/or vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol).
 12. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin A.
 13. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 12, wherein the vitamin A is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 14. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin E.
 15. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 14, wherein the vitamin E is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 16. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin K.
 17. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 16, wherein the vitamin K is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 18. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin B.
 19. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 18, wherein the vitamin B is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 20 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 20. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin C.
 21. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 20, wherein the vitamin C is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 20 to 80 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 22. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises caffeine.
 23. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 22, wherein the caffeine is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 20 to 70 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 24. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a sweetener, a flavorant, and a colorant.
 25. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, further comprising cannabidiol (CBD) or a derivative/analog thereof.
 26. The rapidly infusing composition of claim 25, wherein the CBD or derivative/analog thereof is present in the rapidly infusing composition in an amount of 20 to 70 wt. %, based on a total weight of the rapidly infusing composition on a dry basis.
 27. A process for manufacturing the rapidly infusing composition of claim 1, comprising: dissolving mammalian gelatin and the sugar alcohol in water to form a solution; adding the at least one supplement to the solution to form a drug product mixture; and lyophilizing the drug product mixture to remove water and form the rapidly infusing composition.
 28. A method of providing nutrient supplementation/modulation and/or a stimulant effect to a subject, the method comprising: administering to the subject in need thereof, via the oral mucosa, a therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition of claim
 1. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition is administered to the subject via the buccal mucosa.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition is administered to the subject 1 to 10 times per day.
 31. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises the vitamin D compound.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 1 μg to 15 mg of the vitamin D compound per day.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the vitamin D compound is vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and/or vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol).
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the subject suffers from vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the subject has a vitamin D-responsive disease.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin A.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 50 μg to 2,000 μg of vitamin A per day.
 38. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin E.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 1 mg to 100 mg of vitamin E per day.
 40. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin K.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 10 μg to 300 μg of vitamin K per day.
 42. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin B.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 0.5 μg to 20 μg of vitamin B per day.
 44. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises vitamin C.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 10 mg to 5,000 mg of vitamin C per day.
 46. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition comprises caffeine.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the rapidly infusing composition is that which provides from 10 mg to 1,000 mg of caffeine per day.
 48. The method of claim 28, wherein the rapidly infusing composition further comprises cannabidiol (CBD) or a derivative/analog thereof.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of CBD or derivative/analog thereof is from 10 to 100 mg of CBD per dose.
 50. The method of claim 48, wherein the subject has an autoimmune disorder and/or inflammatory condition. 